Lawndale after-school program receives award

A before- and after-school program put on by the Lawndale School District is the recipient of the Golden Bell Award, which recognizes innovative and sustainable public school programs that make a difference.

Called “Realizing Amazing Potential” (better known as RAP), the program in Lawndale offers a range of services and activities, including homework help, visual- and performing-arts classes, physical fitness, organized sports and journalism, among other things.

In all, 59 school districts throughout the state received the award, which is sponsored by the California School Boards Association.

Lawndale school officials will receive the award at a recognition ceremony on Dec. 7 at CSBA’s annual Education Conference and Trade Show in San Diego. CSBA is the nonprofit education association representing the elected officials — mostly school board trustees — who govern public school districts and county offices of education. More information: www.lawndale.k12.ca.us/rap.